Word play is a literary technique used to have a piece of literature focus on the words it is using. It is a witty, or clever play on words to describe the feelings, thoughts, or ideas someone has. Many authors and musicians use word play for reinforcing meaning. Which means they rely on techniques such as, alliteration, puns, diction, etc, so get their point across. Most authors use word play to some extent, but others may use it as their main focus.
Shakespeareuses word play almost completely in all of his pieces, he is known as a 'pun-ster'. Other authors like Lewis Carroll use word play to make their writing more entertaining and humorous. Two of his most famous novels involving word play wereAlice's Adventures in Wonderland and it's seques: Through the Looking Glass.Throughout the story Alice's Adventures in Wonderland word play is used alot. Most of these examples are easily found at an older age because although the book was written for young children, most of the irony and satire is to be understood at an older age. Examples of this satire, would be how Lewis Carroll makes fun and mocks the queen. However, some word play is easily discovered by children. For example the parody of the popular children's song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."Using word play in children's stories is very common. For example a well-known author for childrens stories that uses much word play would be Dr. Suess. In most of his stories repetition is the main type of word play, because it is easy for young children to point out.
As you can tell, different authors use word play in different ways, and for different reasons. I believe that using word play gathers a deeper connection between the author and the reader because it is providing the reader with a reason to think in a way they normally wouldn't. This creates a connection on a sophisticated and comical point. Authors use word play to enhance their writing, to connect with any audience they are trying to reach.
Shakespeare uses word play almost completely in all of his pieces, he is known as a 'pun-ster'. Other authors like Lewis Carroll use word play to make their writing more entertaining and humorous. Two of his most famous novels involving word play were Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and it's seques: Through the Looking Glass. Throughout the story Alice's Adventures in Wonderland word play is used alot. Most of these examples are easily found at an older age because although the book was written for young children, most of the irony and satire is to be understood at an older age. Examples of this satire, would be how Lewis Carroll makes fun and mocks the queen. However, some word play is easily discovered by children. For example the parody of the popular children's song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."Using word play in children's stories is very common. For example a well-known author for childrens stories that uses much word play would be Dr. Suess. In most of his stories repetition is the main type of word play, because it is easy for young children to point out.
As you can tell, different authors use word play in different ways, and for different reasons. I believe that using word play gathers a deeper connection between the author and the reader because it is providing the reader with a reason to think in a way they normally wouldn't. This creates a connection on a sophisticated and comical point. Authors use word play to enhance their writing, to connect with any audience they are trying to reach.